In Poland, Madonna vs. the Virgin Mary

Madonna's "Sticky & Sweet" tour brings her to Poland's capital on Aug. 15, the Catholic holiday celebrating the heavenly assumption of the Virgin Mary. That's sparking criticism and plans for protests in the Roman Catholic country.

Marian Brudzynski, the leader of the Catholic group Committee for the Protection of Faith and National Traditions, said Thursday he is outraged by the timing. He plans two weeks of protests starting July 31 in downtown Warsaw.

Poland's ombudsman, Janusz Kochanowski, has asked Warsaw city officials to explain why the singer would be allowed to perform on a date bound to provoke and offend.

Even former President Lech Walesa, a Catholic and father of eight, says he would like the concert rescheduled.